Barcelona boss Luis Enrique is eager to see Lionel Messi get more minutes under his belt this weekend - although he admits the Argentina international does not need to be at 100 per cent fitness to put opponents to the sword.

Messi made his return after a knee injury lay-off as a substitute in last Saturday's 4-0 El Clasico triumph at Real Madrid, before starting Tuesday's Champions League clash with Roma at the Nou Camp - in which he scored twice as part of a 6-1 win.

And Enrique said ahead of Saturday's home league contest against Real Sociedad: 'I saw him (Messi) very well, as we all did.

Lionel Messi (centre) trained on Friday and is expected to start against Real Sociedad this weekend

Aleix Vidal (centre) tries to get the ball off his team-mates during Barcelona's training session on Friday

'He is not yet at 100 per cent. He needs more match fitness - but he does not need to be at 100 per cent to make a difference.

'He now needs minutes to get in the best possible condition.'

Given the thrashings of Madrid and Roma and the fact they have Messi back, Barca - currently top of La Liga by four points - could hardly be looking more formidable as they prepare to face a Real Sociedad outfit hovering just above the relegation zone.

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But Enrique is taking nothing for granted about the game, and has also stressed in terms of his men's bid to successfully defend their league title that it is still early days in the campaign.

'This match will be dangerous for us,' he said.

'We are in a good moment, and we intend to extend it to the fullest. But there are still two thirds of the league and a lot of material to be cut. We will try to create danger from the beginning and be worthy of three points.'

Luis Enrique (pictured) says Messi does not need to be at 100 per cent fitness to put opponents to the sword

Andres Iniesta, who scored against Real Madrid in El Clasico last weekend, trains in Barcelona on Friday

Meanwhile, new La Real boss Eusebio Sacristan, whose first game in charge since succeeding the sacked David Moyes earlier this month ended in a 2-0 home victory over Sevilla last weekend, has called for courage from his team on Saturday and belief they can cause a huge upset.

'Whenever we face anyone it is with the intention of winning,' Eusebio said.

'We face a great rival, but the enthusiasm and courage should be there.

Messi (left) started in Barcelona's Champions League match on Tuesday, scoring twice in a 6-1 victory

Messi (left) came on as a late substitute in Barcelona's dominating performance against rivals Real Madrid

'Barcelona are experiencing a time of harmony in which everything flows - but we also want to reach a state of high spirits.

'Barca dominate, are intense, and can control all aspects of the game. There are many difficulties, but we have quality and excitement.

'They will force you to do certain things and we have to adapt, but always based on our own ideas.'

Eusebio has previously been on the coaching staff at Barca and looked after their B team.